FOUNDATION DONATES OXYGEN MASKS FOR PETS

San Diego 
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department received 60 oxygen masks Thursday that are designed specifically to save animals.

The Emma Zen Foundation of Anaheim donated the kits, which contain three different sizes of pet masks, fire department spokesman Lee Swanson said.

“A pet can suffer smoke inhalation just like a person, and this will help us have the tools available to try to help,” said Capt. Harold Lemire, who accepted the gift on behalf of the department.

The foundation is headed by Anaheim resident Debra Jo Chiapuzio, who started it after adopting a Labrador-Great Dane mix that was found abandoned in Los Angeles County during the 2007 fires, Swanson said.

One of the organization’s goals is to provide pet safety equipment to public safety agencies, according to the foundation’s website.

The masks are designed for dogs, cats, birds and other household pets. Each kit costs $75, Swanson said.